Carrier for consumable products

ABSTRACT

Various packages for consumable products are disclosed. The package may include a supporting member made from a rigid material. The supporting member includes a first panel adjacent to a second panel. The panels are directly attached or indirectly attached at one end and have an opposite open end. A first group of consumable products is supported by the first panel, while a second group of consumable products is supported by the second panel. Of particular advantage, the panels include an open end that may be draped over an adjacent structure, such as the railing on a shopping cart. In this manner, the package can accommodate rather large quantities of a consumable product, such as paper towels or bath tissue, while minimizing the amount of space the package occupies in the shopping cart.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many consumable products, such as paper towels, bath tissue, diapers and related products, adult incontinence products, child training pants, feminine hygiene products, and the like are sometimes packaged and sold in relatively large quantities. There are many advantages to consumers for purchasing these types of products in greater amounts. For instance, these types of products are typically consumed rather quickly and having greater amounts reduces the need to return to the store. Another advantage to consumers when buying in relatively large quantities is that the price per unit is typically less than when buying in smaller quantities.

There are also various advantages to manufacturers in the ability to sell their products to consumers in relatively large quantities. In particular, there may be some cost and processing efficiencies in packaging the products into larger packages. Shipping and handling costs may also be reduced.

When sold in bulk, consumable products are typically packaged in large rectangular plastic film bags or are sold in cardboard boxes. Due to the size of these packages, however, the packages can be somewhat difficult for consumers to carry and hold. Also, such large packages can take up great amounts of space in shopping carts limiting the space in the cart for other products. As such, a need currently exists for an improved packaging design for packaging relatively large quantities of consumable products. In particular, a need exists for a bulk-type package for consumable products that is easy for consumers to carry and handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various packaging configurations for consumable products. The packages are well suited to holding relatively large quantities of one or more consumable products, although the packages may also work equally well with smaller quantities. Of particular advantage, packages made according to the present disclosure can include easy to hold handles that allow even larger quantities of a product to be transported. Further, in one embodiment, the package is designed to be placed over an adjacent structure, such as the railing of a shopping cart. In this manner, at least one half of the product remains outside of the shopping cart thereby minimizing the amount of space the product occupies within the cart.

In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to a packaged consumable product comprising a supporting member. The supporting member includes a first panel connected at one end to a second panel. For instance, the first panel may be connected directly to the second panel or may be connected to the second panel by a connecting panel. The first and second panels may be made from a rigid material. As used herein, a “rigid” material may comprise any material that is self supporting and can maintain its shape when, for instance, being used to construct a package loaded with consumable products. In this regard, any suitable rigid material may be used to form the panels. For instance, the panels may be made from a paperboard, which includes cardboard, or from a non-collapsible polymer member made from any suitable polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer.

The first and second panels define an open end therebetween opposite the ends of the panels that are connected together. The open end permits an adjacent object, such as the railing of a shopping cart, to be placed in between the panels.

Each of the panels of the supporting member defines an interior surface facing the opposing panel and an exterior surface. A first group of consumable products are located adjacent the exterior surface of the first panel and a second group of consumable products are positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the second panel. The first and second groups are supported by the supporting member.

For instance, in one embodiment, the first group of consumable products and the second group of consumable products are adhered to each of the respective panels. For example, each group of consumable products may be contained within a plastic film. An adhesive material may be used to adhere the plastic film to the opposing panel.

Alternatively, the first panel may be connected to a first channel that includes a bottom wall for supporting the first group of consumable products and a side wall that retains the products adjacent to the first panel. Similarly, the second panel can be connected to a second channel that also includes a bottom wall for supporting the second group of consumable products and a side wall for retaining the products against the second panel. The first and second channels, for instance, may be integral with the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first channel may form a first sleeve that encircles the first group of consumable products, while the second channel may form a second sleeve that encircles the second group of consumable products.

In order to hold and carry the packaged product, the product may further include a handle. The handle, for instance, may be associated with the supporting member. For instance, in one embodiment, the first panel may define a first opening, while the second panel defines a second opening that form a passage for receiving a hand. Alternatively, a band may be connected to the supporting member that serves as a handle.

In general, any suitable consumable product may be supported within the package. The consumable product, for instance, may comprise diapers, training pants, swimming pants, tissue products, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and the like. In one embodiment, for instance, the package may be designed to carry spirally wound tissue products, such as paper towels or bath tissues.

As described above, the package is designed to carry a first group of consumable products and a second group of consumable products. If desired, the supporting member may include one or more perforation lines that divide the first panel from the second panel. In one embodiment, for instance, a single perforation line may separate the first panel from the second panel. Alternatively, a tear strip may be incorporated into the package in between the first and second panels. In this manner, the first and second panels may be detached once the packaged product is purchased for placing the first group of products in one location and the second group of products in a different location.

In one embodiment, in addition to or instead of containing a perforation line between the first panel and the second panel, the package may include further perforation lines that extend vertically along the panels. The vertical perforation lines may make it possible to divide the product into more than two groups. For instance, enough perforation lines may be included for dividing the package into individual products. The package can be broken down into multiple groups by the consumer for storing the product in different locations or by the retail store for selling the product in smaller quantities.

If desired, the entire product may be encased in a polymer film such as a shrink wrap film. The polymer film may be used to consolidate the entire package.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a package for consumable products made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with cutaway portions of another embodiment of a package for consumable products made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the package illustrated in FIG. 1 draped over the railing of a grocery cart;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the package illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating the location of a perforation line;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a blank that may be used to form the package illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of stacked packages as illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in an unfolded state;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a package for consumable products made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a package for consumable products made in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of still another embodiment of a package for consumable products made in accordance with the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a package for consumable products. In particular, the package is well suited to holding relatively large amounts of a consumable product while still being easy to handle and hold. It should be understood, however, that the package is also well suited to holding smaller amounts of a consumable product. The package of the present disclosure not only facilitates the ability of consumers to purchase consumable products in large bulk, but also provides a package and shipping solution to manufacturers without substantially increasing the cost of the product.

The package of the present disclosure generally includes a rigid divider comprising a first panel and a second panel. The two panels are connected together at one end. Each panel is configured to support a group of consumable products. For instance, each panel may be formed into a channel that receives the products or the products may be adhered to each panel.

Of particular advantage, the first and second panels may define an open free end opposite the end where the panels are connected. In this manner, the panels can be draped over an adjacent object, such as the railing of a shopping cart. Thus, the package can be supported on a shopping cart while only placing one half of the contents within the cart, thus preserving valuable cart space for the consumer.

Referring to FIG. 1, for instance, one embodiment of a packaged consumable product generally 10 made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the product 10 includes a supporting member 12. The supporting member 12 includes a first panel 14 and a second panel 16. As shown, the panels 14 and 16 are connected together at one end. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated, a connecting panel 18 connects the first panel 14 to the second panel 16. It should be understood, however, that in other embodiments the panels 14 and 16 may be connected together in a different manner. For instance, the panels may be connected directly together without the use of a connecting panel 18 or may be connected together by some other type of structure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first panel 14 supports a first group of consumable products 20, while the second panel 16 supports a second group of consumable products 22. In the embodiment illustrated, the first group of consumable products 20 and the second group of consumable products 22 comprise spirally wound tissue products. For instance, the tissue products may comprise rolls of paper towels or bath tissue rolls. In FIG. 1, each group comprises three rolls of the tissue product. It should be understood, however, that the package can be constructed so as to contain more or less rolls. Further, the spirally wound rolls may be stacked on top of one another within the package, especially if the package is containing bath tissue.

In addition to spirally wound tissue products, however, it should be understood that the package may contain various other consumable products. For instance, the package may be configured to hold diapers, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products, training pants, adult incontinence products, and the like. In still other embodiments, the package may contain auxiliary baby products such as wet wipes, disposable placemats, and other similar items. In still another embodiment, different items that are intended to be used together may be contained in the package. For example, the package may contain paper plates, napkins and eating utensils.

Each group of products 20 and 22 may be the same product or may be different products. Further, each group may contain the same product or a plurality of different products. In general, however, the first group of products 20 may generally weigh approximately the same amount as the second group of products 22. For instance, the weight of the first group of products can be within about 20% of the weight of the second group of products, such as within about 10% of the weight of the second group of products, such as within about 5% of the weight of the second group of products. Having the weight of the first group of products be substantially the same as the weight of the second group of products helps balance the overall package and makes the package easier to hold and carry.

In order to support the groups of products 20 and 22 on the supporting member 12, various techniques and constructions may be used. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for instance, the first panel 14 is attached to or integral with a first channel 24 that supports the first group of products 20. Similarly, the second panel 16 is attached to or is integral with a second channel 26 that supports the second group of products 22. More particularly, the first panel 14 is connected to a bottom panel 28 that provides a support surface for the first group of products 20. The bottom panel, on the other hand, is connected to a side panel 30. The side panel 30 maintains the products 20 adjacent to the first panel 14. Thus, in this manner, the first panel 14, the bottom panel 28, and the side panel 30 form a U-shaped cross section into which the products 20 are loaded.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the side panel 30 has a height that is about one half the height of the group of products 20. It should be understood, however, that the height of the side panel 30 may be adjusted depending upon various factors including the type of product being loaded into the package. For instance, the side wall 30 may have a height that is less than one half the height of the group of products or may have a height that is substantially equal to the height of the products.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second channel 26 is also comprised of a bottom panel 32 connected to a side panel 34 for partially enclosing the products 22. The bottom panel 32 is attached to the second panel 16 along, in this embodiment, a fold line.

The supporting member 12 can be made from any suitable material capable of supporting the two groups of products. For instance, in one embodiment, the supporting member can be made from a rigid material such as paperboard or structural plastics.

As described above, the first panel 14 and the second panel 16 are connected together at one end. The opposite ends of the panels, on the other hand, may not be connected creating an open end 36. Of particular advantage, the open end 36 may be configured to receive an adjacent structure for holding the package.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the package can be configured to be placed over the railing of a grocery cart for transporting the package through a retail store. In this manner, only one half of the package remains in the grocery cart while the other half of the package remains on the outside of the grocery cart. Thus, only a minimal amount of cart space is taken up by the package. Further, the package can be printed or otherwise display the manufacturer's product name and logo. In this manner, the manufacturer of the consumable product gains a benefit by having the package displayed on the grocery cart as the cart is moved throughout the store.

The open end 36 as shown in the figures may also be used to place the package on various other structures in addition to the railing of a grocery cart. For example, the open end 36 may be well suited to receiving the bar of a bicycle. In still other embodiments, the open end 36 may be placed over a structure contained in a vehicle for holding the package in place during movement.

In order to carry the packaged product 10, the supporting member 12 may include a handle or may be otherwise attached to a handle. A handle as used herein can be any structural element that is intended to be grasped by a hand. The handle may be integral with the package or may otherwise be attached to the package. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the second panel 16 may define an opening 38 while the second panel 14 may also define a corresponding opening. The openings may cooperate together to receive the hand of a user for picking up and grasping the package.

It should be understood, however, that any suitable handle may be associated with the package 10. For instance, in an alternative embodiment, a strap may be connected to the supporting member 12 or may be integral with the supporting member. Still another embodiment of a handle is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a handle 40 is attached to the connecting panel 18 of the supporting member 12. In particular, the connecting panel 18 defines a pair of openings for receiving each end of the handle 40. Each end of the handle 40 may include a tab that, once placed in the openings, is prevented from being released.

In one embodiment, the package 10 as shown in FIG. 1 can be divided in order to separate the different product groups if desired by the consumer. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the supporting member 12 can define a perforation line 42 for separating the first product group 20 from the second product group 22. In this manner, a consumer can place the first product group in one location and the second product group in a different location after purchase while the products continue to stay protected by the packaging.

In order to protect the product groups, the products can be wrapped in an outer covering, such as a polymer film 44 as shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for instance, the polymer film, such as a shrink wrap film, is wrapped around the product groups and the supporting member 12 in order to form a consolidated package.

Instead of enclosing the entire package within a polymer film, alternatively, each product may be individually packaged by a polymer film or other covering. In still another embodiment, each product group itself may be wrapped by a polymer film or other covering. In these alternative embodiments, the wrapped products may need to be adhered to the supporting member in order to ensure that the products stay in place while being transported.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the supporting member 12 can be made from a one-piece blank. For instance, as shown particularly in FIG. 5, a one-piece blank 50 can include various score lines and can be folded as shown in phantom in order to form the supporting member 12 as shown in FIG. 1.

In one particular embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the product groups 20 and 22 can be loaded into the supporting member 12 while the supporting member 12 is in a flat state. The entire package can then be wrapped in the polymer film 44. As shown in FIG. 6, when in a flat state, the packages 10 can be stacked upon one another and transported to the point of purchase. Once delivered to a retail store, the supporting member can be folded for display on the shelf of the retail store and for handling by the consumer. Alternatively, the packages 10 can remain in a stacked configuration within the retail store for selling the product to consumers without having to place the product on a shelf and without having to construct a separate display structure for the product.

Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a package 10 for consumable products is illustrated. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate the same or similar elements.

As shown in FIG. 7, the package 10 includes a supporting member 12 that contains a first group of consumable products 20 and a second group of consumable products 22. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the consumable products illustrated in FIG. 7 comprise spirally wound tissue products, such as paper towels. As before, however, it should be understood that various other consumable products may be contained in the package 10.

In this embodiment, the supporting member 12 includes a first panel 14 adjacent to a second panel 16. The first panel 14 and the second panel 16 are both connected to a connecting panel 18 at one end of each panel. The opposite ends of the panels, however, are not connected together and thus form a free open end 36 that may be placed over an adjacent structure, such as the railing of a shopping cart.

Also similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first panel 14 is connected to a plurality of walls or panels to form a first channel 24. Similarly, the second panel 16 is also connected to a plurality of panels or walls in order to form a second channel 26. The channels 24 and 26 are for receiving the groups of products 20 and 22.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 7, the first panel 14 is connected to a bottom panel 28 which in turn is connected to a side panel 30. The side panel 30 is then connected to the connecting wall 18. In this manner, the channel 24 forms a sleeve that encloses the first group of products 20.

Similarly, the second panel 16 is also connected to a bottom panel 32 which, in turn, is connected to a side panel 34. The side panel 34 extends between the bottom panel 32 and the connecting panel 18. In this manner, the second panel 16, the bottom panel 32, the side panel 34, and the connecting panel 18 form a second sleeve that surrounds the second group of products 22. Thus, in this embodiment, the groups of products are enclosed within the walls of the supporting member 12. The supporting member 12, however, still includes an open free end for allowing the package to be draped over an adjacent object.

In order to carry the package 10 as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting wall 18 defines a first opening 38 and a second opening 37. The openings 38 and 37 are configured to receive the thumbs and fingers of a user to enable a user to pick up the package and transport the package. It should be understood, however, that various other handles may be incorporated into the package as described above. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the sleeves that are formed may have a height less than the height of the panels 14 and 16. In this manner, the panels 14 and 16 may include a handle as shown in FIG. 1 that extends above the sleeves.

Also similar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, the package 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a perforation line 42 that allows the first group of products to be separated from the second group of products after a consumer has purchased the package. Further, in order to consolidate the package, the entire package 10 can be enclosed within a shrink wrap film or, alternatively, a band may surround the supporting member 12.

Referring to FIG. 8, still another embodiment of a package for supporting a plurality of consumable products is illustrated. Again, like reference numerals have been used to indicate the same or similar elements.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the package 10 includes a supporting member 12 for supporting a first group of consumable products 20 and a second group of consumable products 22. The supporting member 12 includes a first panel 14 connected to a second panel 16. In this embodiment, the first panel 14 is directly connected to the second panel 16 without the use of a connecting panel. Of course, if desired, a connecting panel or other interim structure may be present.

In this embodiment, the first and second panels 14 and 16 include a plurality of arch-shaped openings that define a plurality of tines 60. The tines 60 are for attaching to the consumable products.

The tines 60 may be attached to the products using various different methods and techniques. For instance, in one embodiment, the consumable products 20 and 22 may be wrapped in a polymer film, such as a shrink wrap film 44, that also surrounds the tines 60. In this manner, a consolidated package is produced.

Alternatively, an adhesive material may be used in order to attach the consumable products to the respective tines. In still another embodiment, the consumable products may be individually wrapped in a polymer film or may be wrapped together as a group. The polymer film that surrounds the consumable product may then be attached to the tines 60 using an adhesive.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the first panel 14 is spaced from the second panel 16 to allow the product to be draped over an adjacent object. For instance, similar to the other embodiments described above, the package 10 as shown in FIG. 8 may be draped over the railing of a shopping cart if desired.

In order to lift and carry the package 10 as shown in FIG. 8, the package can also include a handle 40. In the embodiment illustrated, the handle 40 comprises a band made from any suitable material that is attached to the supporting member 12. Alternatively, the supporting member 12 may define openings for receiving the hands of a user.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, another embodiment of a package for supporting a plurality of consumable products is shown. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate the same or similar elements.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the package 10 includes a supporting member 12 that may comprise a single piece of material. Supporting member 12, for instance, may be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a paperboard or a structural plastic. As shown, the supporting member 12 is attached to a first group of consumable products 20 and to a second group of consumable products 22 which, in this embodiment, comprise spirally wound rolls of a tissue product.

The supporting member 12 can be attached to the first and second group of products using any suitable attachment mechanism. In the embodiment illustrated, the first group of consumable products 20 is contained in a first subpackage 90, while the second group of consumable products 22 is contained in a second subpackage 92. The subpackages comprise a polymer film, such as a shrink wrap film, that encloses the groups of products. An adhesive material is then used to attach the supporting member 12 to each group of consumable products 20 and 22.

Once the supporting member 12 is attached to each group of consumable products 20 and 22, the supporting member 12 is folded as shown in FIG. 9B. Specifically, once the supporting member 12 is folded, the supporting member forms a first panel 14 and a second panel 16. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the first panel 14 is spaced from the second panel 16 to allow the product to be draped over an adjacent object, such as the railing of a shopping cart.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the supporting member 12, in this embodiment, defines a first opening 37 and a second opening 38. Once the supporting member 12 is folded as shown in FIG. 9B, the first opening 37 cooperates with the second opening 38 to form a handle 40 for receiving the hand of a user.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. 

1. A packaged consumable product comprising: a supporting member comprising a first panel connected at one end to a second panel, the first and second panels being made from a rigid material, the first and second panels defining an open end therebetween opposite the ends of the panels that are connected together, the open end permitting an adjacent object to be placed in between the panels, each panel defining an interior surface facing the opposing panel and an exterior surface; a first group of consumable products adjacent the exterior surface of the first panel and a second group of consumable products adjacent the exterior surface of the second panel, the first and second groups being supported by the supporting member; and a handle for carrying the packaged consumable product.
 2. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the first group of consumable products are adhered to the exterior surface of the first panel and the second group of consumable products are adhered to the exterior surface of the second panel.
 3. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 2, wherein the first group of consumable products and the second group of consumable products are wrapped in a polymer film, the first group of consumable products being adhered to the exterior surface of the first panel by an adhesive material placed between the polymer film and the exterior surface, the second group of consumable products being adhered to the exterior surface of the second panel by an adhesive material placed in between the polymer film and the exterior surface.
 4. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the first group of consumable products and the second group of consumable products comprise spirally wound tissue products.
 5. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the first group of consumable products and the second group of consumable products comprise diapers, tissue products, adult incontinence products, training pants, disposable swimming pants, or feminine hygiene products.
 6. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the handle is integral with the supporting member.
 7. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 6, wherein the first panel defines a first opening and the second panel defines a second opening spaced from the first opening, the first and second openings forming the handle.
 8. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel comprise paperboard or a plastic material.
 9. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the supporting member is made from a single piece blank.
 10. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel are separated by a perforation line.
 11. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the first panel is connected to a first channel that includes a bottom wall for supporting the first group of consumable products and a side wall and wherein the second panel is connected to a second channel that includes a bottom wall for supporting the second group of consumable products and a side wall.
 12. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 11, wherein the first channel is integral with the first panel and the second channel is integral with the second panel.
 13. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the supporting member, the first group of consumable products and the second group of consumable products are all enclosed in a polymer film.
 14. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 11, wherein the first channel forms a first sleeve that encircles the first group of consumable products and the second channel forms a second sleeve that encircles the second group of consumable products.
 15. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 11, wherein the side wall of the first channel has a height that is less than the height of the first group of consumable products and wherein the side wall of the second channel has a height that is less than the height of the second group of consumable products.
 16. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 11, wherein the side wall of the first channel has a height that is substantially the same as the height of the first group of consumable products and wherein the side wall of the second channel has a height that is substantially the same as the height of the second group of consumable products.
 17. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a band that is attached to the supporting member.
 18. A packaged consumable product comprising: a supporting member comprising a first panel connected at one end to a second panel, the first and second panels being made from a rigid material, the first panel being integral with a first channel, the first channel comprising a bottom wall and a side wall that generally form a U-shape with the first panel, the second panel being integral with a second channel that also includes a bottom wall and a side wall that generally form a U-shape with the second panel; a first group of products contained in the first channel and a second group of products contained in the second channel; and a handle for carrying the packaged product.
 19. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 18, wherein the first panel and the second panel of the supporting member define an open end therebetween opposite the ends of the panels that are connected together, the open end permitting an adjacent object to be placed in between the panels.
 20. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 18, wherein the handle is integral with the supporting member.
 21. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 20, wherein the first panel defines a first opening and the second panel defines a second opening spaced from the first opening, the first and second openings forming the handle.
 22. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 18, wherein the supporting member is made from a single piece blank.
 23. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 18, wherein the first panel and the second panel are separated by a perforation line.
 24. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 18, wherein the supporting member, the first group of consumable products and the second group of consumable products are all enclosed in a polymer film.
 25. A packaged consumable product as defined in claim 18, wherein the first group of products comprise spirally wound tissue products and the second group of products comprise spirally wound tissue products. 